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Services Security Guard Training Security Guard Standards Course
Security Guards Standards Course
Written by Administrator
Thursday, 24 June 2010 19:59
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ new basic Training and Testing Regulation is now in force. This course is designed to prepare for the mandatory security guard testing and standards established by the Canadian General Standards Branch (CGSB) Security Guards CGSB-133.1-2008. For more information please click on each section outlined.
Course Date and Location:
Date :SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 2012
Time : 1pm to 5:30pm
Location:
EVOLUTION MAFA
3105 Unity Drive, UNIT 15/16
Mississauga, Ontario
L5L 4L3
Price: $225 + HST - Prepay Only - Please send payment through PayPal to
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To register for a course please contact our training department at 905-383-3600.
Course outline: 40hrs +
Section 1: Introduction to the Security Industry
Section Overview
The trainer provides a summary of the principal duties and responsibilities necessary to work
effectively in the security industry. Students will learn to interpret and comply with the legal
requirements of their occupation as well as identify job roles and responsibilities.
Suggested Duration: In class: 2 hours
Outside class: 2 hours
Minimum Requirements
▪ Describe and compare the different jobs in the security industry (e.g. private
investigation, law enforcement, security services, loss prevention, and patrol services)
▪ Describe the occupation of a security guard with respect to the knowledge, skills, and
abilities needed to perform well
▪ Describe the job specifications, activities, and demands of a security guard (e.g. travel,
off-hours, stress, risks, dangers, etc.)
Note: It is recommended that the learning journal be introduced in this section if the
trainer chooses to use the journal as a teaching mechanism throughout the
course.
Outline
The trainer provides the student with a background on the security industry including the
changes in the industry as a result of the new Private Security and Investigative Services Act,
2005. S/he introduces the student to the challenges and benefits of becoming a security guard.
The role of a security guard with respect to the public should be discussed.
Section 2: The Private Security and Investigative Services Act and Ministry Code of Conduct
Section Overview
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) regulates the security
industry. As such, security guards must be familiar with the PSISA to ensure they follow the
regulations and prohibitions including the Code of Conduct. The trainer introduces the
legislation to the student by outlining all relevant components and explaining the Code of Conduct.
Suggested Duration: In class: 2 hours
Outside class: 3 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA)
Explain an individual's responsibility regarding licensing, including the licensing process
and mandatory requirements
Describe the general duties, standards, practices, regulations and prohibitions
Explain the requirement to produce a licence
2. Code of Conduct
Explain the relevant components and the consequences of failing to comply
Define complaint procedures
Outline
This section introduces the student to his/her responsibilities as a security guard under the
PSISA. The trainer provides instruction on all the relevant requirements of the PSISA and Code
of Conduct, the consequences for non-compliance and public complaint procedures.
The authority to act as a security guard should also be discussed.
Section 3: Basic Security Procedures
Section Overview
Security guards need to respond to changes in their environment, which includes actions such
as traffic movement, ensuring the safety of persons between and within locations, monitoring
and managing the access and departure of persons and vehicles and observing and monitoring
people. Security guards need to be aware of the correct way to deal with these situations. The
trainer provides his/her students with the knowledge and skills to assess the security of physical
environments, to apply basic aspects of security in their roles and to assess the impact of drug
use in the context of safety for oneself and others.
Suggested Duration: In class: 3 hours
Outside class: 5 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. Describe and explain surveillance and address the following surveillance techniques:
▪ Observing the physical environment
▪ Attending to environmental details
▪ Situational awareness
2. Describe the basic elements of security and include the following:
▪ Access control
▪ Crowd control
▪ Vehicle control and legal authority to perform traffic control duties
▪ Shift handover
3. Discuss drug effects, substance abuse and related drug paraphernalia
▪ Relate signs of substance abuse and withdrawal including physical and psychological
consequences
Note: There are three components in this section: Surveillance, Basic Elements of
Security and Drug Effects.
Surveillance - Outline
Security guards will be called upon to observe the physical environment for changes and
suspicious behaviour. This objective is typically achieved by conducting an in-person or remote
surveillance of the physical environment. Security guards are expected to notice and monitor
minor changes in order to make sound decisions when devising a plan of action. The trainer
focuses on:
Decision-making
Recognizing patterns (situational awareness)
Observing minor, yet critical details
Recognizing typicality and detecting anomalies
Improvising responses
Interpreting and adapting to events
Prioritizing actions
Observing and monitoring individuals, identifying and responding to potential threats, different
types of patrolling and loss prevention should be discussed.
Basic Elements of Security - Outline
Security guards are required to manage individuals, vehicles and materials in a safe and polite
manner while assessing a situation for threats and incidents. The trainer addresses the
following basic elements of security:
1. Access control
How to escort people within and between locations in a safe manner
How to prepare for an assignment
Contacting the correct personnel when there is a breach of security
How to inspect baggage, vehicles, etc. for illegal substances
2. Crowd control
How to create a barricade or staging area
How to lock down a facility
3. Vehicle control
Controlling vehicular/pedestrian traffic on company property or on public roads in
emergencies
Monitoring traffic movements
Using proper hand signals for directing traffic
Using traffic control equipment
Wearing the appropriate attire
4. Shift handover procedures
How to update the next person on shift
Drug Effects - Outline
Security guards may encounter individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They need to
be aware of the signs of substance abuse as well as the impact of different drugs on human
behaviour (e.g. suspect going through withdrawal) in order to deal with these individuals in a
manner that will ensure personal safety as well as that of the suspect. The trainer discusses
different types of drugs and paraphernalia, the impact of using different drugs on human
behaviour and how to address individual behaviour depending on the type of substance abuse.
Section 4: Report Writing
Section Overview
Security guards are required to complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed, and
comprehensive descriptions of their tasks/observances. The trainer instructs the student how to
write reports that are objective and standardized.
Suggested Duration: In class: 2 hours
Outside class: 2 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. Discuss the following elements of report writing:
▪ How to record relevant factual data and circumstances in a notebook
▪ The different types and purposes of reports
▪ Recognizing legal implications of reports and confidentiality
▪ Incorporating who, what, where, when, why and how in report writing
▪ How to take a statement
▪ Identifying the appropriate method of communication to report an issue
Outline
Security guards are required to write a variety of reports for different audiences. It is imperative
that reports are written in a clear, standardized format to ensure information is conveyed
accurately and without bias. The trainer discusses:
▪ The importance of using a notebook and the rules and format for taking accurate notes
▪ Different types of reports depending on the situation (e.g. incident, use of force, witness
statements)
▪ The basic elements of report writing (e.g. date, time, location, actions/behaviours,
description of individuals, observations, time of completion, etc.)
▪ Content of reports (e.g. factual information only)
▪ The legal implications of reports (e.g. necessary for audits or evidence in court)
▪ The difference between statements and reports
▪ How to properly distribute reports (e.g. problems with e-mailing confidential reports)
Section 5: Health and Safety
Section Overview
The policies and procedures of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) are necessary to ensure the occupational
safety of security guards and those they interact with. The trainer identifies how to control
workplace risks and hazards, how to apply appropriate responses to emergency situations and
how to communicate workplace safety requirements.
Suggested Duration: In class: 1 hour
Outside class: 1 hour
Minimum Requirements
1. Outline the Occupational Health and Safety Act
2. Outline the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Outline
The trainer provides a brief introduction to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Security guards need to know
and understand how the Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS apply to themselves
and to others. The trainer should also cover the right to refuse unsafe work.
{/sllide}
Section 6: Emergency Response Preparation
Section Overview
Security guards are expected to respond to emergency situations and to minimize the impact
caused at a work site. They may be required to perform a variety of duties during emergency
procedures and must understand the importance of scene management. The trainer will
address the potential roles of a security guard during an emergency situation and how to
effectively complete these tasks.
Suggested Duration: In class: 4 hours
Outside class: 4 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. Identify the following criteria of a potential emergency:
Risk factors
Fire emergencies
Bomb emergencies
Weapon emergencies
Suspicious packages
Explosive devices
2. Describe the following emergency response procedures:
Explain fire emergency response procedures
Explain bomb emergency response procedures
Explain weapon emergency response procedures
Explain suspicious package emergency response procedures
Explain explosive device emergency response procedures
3. Explain the potential roles of a security guard in emergency situations
4. Detail how to implement duty of care
Describe legal requirements
Detail how to protect and secure a crime scene
Note: There are four components in this section: Emergency Situations, Emergency
Response Procedures, Potential Roles of a Security Guard During an Emergency
and Duty of Care.
Emergency Situation - Outline
Security guards may encounter emergency situations at a worksite. They will need to
accurately identify the risk factors associated with fire threats, bomb threats, weapon
emergencies, suspicious packages, and explosive devices and learn how to respond
appropriately. The trainer outlines the different risk factors a security guard must be familiar with
and how to protect individuals and property associated with an assignment (i.e. contain,
activate, and evacuate). In addition to emergency responses, the trainer includes an overview of
the basic principles of prevention and safety.
Emergency Response Procedures - Outline
Security guards must be comfortable when responding to emergency situations, familiar with
different emergency procedures and must coordinate these procedures with organizational
requirements and/or other personnel. Understanding the need for emergency response
procedures and following the emergency response plan for a given site is vital to the security
guard role. The trainer provides instruction on the following:
The different emergency response procedures (e.g. First Aid and CPR)
Common tools associated with response procedures (e.g. fire extinguisher, sprinkler
systems)
Determining the safest and most appropriate response to a threat
How to preserve evidence
Proper evacuation protocol and knowledge of access routes
How to control access for emergency services and provide necessary details
Site-specific building occupant capacity limits (e.g. Ontario Fire Code and building specific regulations with respect to occupancy)
Potential Roles of a Security Guard During an Emergency - Outline
Security guards may be required to fulfill different roles during an emergency situation. They
may have to assist other personnel (including police, fire, and ambulance) or take the lead in
responding to the emergency. Security guards must be able to work alongside other personnel
and quickly and accurately understand their role in a given situation. They must recognize when
an emergency is beyond the scope of their job specifications and requires additional assistance.
The trainer provides an overview of the relationships in the security industry, including a matrix
with job titles, descriptions, responsibilities and the link between them to help security guards
understand when a situation is beyond their scope and who to contact in specific emergency
situations.
Duty of Care - Outline
Security guards need to be familiar with the concept of duty of care (what a reasonable person
should do in a particular situation) and be capable of securing and protecting a crime scene until
the appropriate personnel arrive. The trainer reviews the circumstances that require duty of care
and instructs how to secure and protect a crime scene or sentinel event scene.
Section 7: Canadian Legal System
Section Overview
Security guards work within the Canadian Legal System. They need to be familiar with the
Criminal Court System, the Ontario Evidence Act, the Canada Evidence Act and how these
apply to their positions to ensure the information they obtain is admissible in court. The trainer
outlines the difference between criminal, provincial and municipal law as well as case and civil
law, the hierarchy of the court system and offences and the requirements for the admissibility of
evidence.
Suggested Duration: In class: 3 hours
Outside class: 6 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. Discuss the Canadian Criminal Court System
Outline the Canadian Criminal Court System, the hierarchy of the court system and court
protocols/procedures
Describe the protocols and procedures for the purpose of giving evidence
2. Explain commonly accepted approaches to the collection, preservation and presentation of
evidence including the handling and sealing of audio/visual materials
3. Explain relevant sections of the Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act that pertain
to admissible evidence
4. Discuss municipal by-laws
Note: There are three components in this section: Canadian Criminal Court System,
Evidence Handling Techniques and Municipal By-laws.
The Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act do not specify how evidence
is collected, but identify which types of evidence are admissible to the court. The
trainer should concentrate on what is considered evidence and which methods a
security guard can use to ensure it remains admissible. Security guards are only
expected to know the municipal by-laws that relate to their role and where to find
this information if it is not readily available on their premises.
Canadian Criminal Court System - Outline
Security guards may be required to prepare for legal proceedings, present evidence, prepare
themselves and/or witnesses for testimony and follow up on the outcome of court proceedings.
Security guards need a general understanding that all investigations should be conducted as if
the case could potentially go to trial and therefore handle themselves accordingly to ensure that
no procedural or administrative mistakes are made. The trainer covers the skills and knowledge
required to present evidence in a judicial environment.
Evidence Handling Techniques - Outline
Security guards protect evidence that may be used in court. The trainer will explain how to
collect, preserve, and present admissible evidence in court while preventing the evidence from
becoming contaminated. Concepts will include an introduction to the process and protocols for
handling evidence, including:
The proper procedures for collecting and handling audio/video materials
The six core steps for containing evidence:
Collect
Secure
Preserve
Identify
Continuity
Log
Municipal By-Laws - Outline
Security guards are required to work within the municipal by-laws of their specific location. They
need to be familiar with the common by-laws they will encounter in their position (e.g. noise bylaws,
occupancy limits, etc.) and where they can locate this information. The trainer focuses on
creating awareness that different municipal by-laws exist and need to be considered. It should
be noted that the student may obtain/require further training on by-laws relevant to his/her
specific position and that the by-laws addressed in this section are the most common to the
private security sector.
Section 8: Legal Authorities
Section Overview
The trainer focuses on the broader legal context of private security to instruct the student on
his/her rights and limitations when performing duties as a security guard. The trainer will also
explain where a security guard derives his/her authority to carry out job functions.
Suggested Duration: In class: 7.5 hours
Outside class: 10 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. List procedures for handling, storing, disseminating and destroying information of a personal
nature
2. Address the relevant sections of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic
Documents Act (PIPEDA) regarding the protection of personal information
3. Outline the relevant sections of the following legislation:
▪ Employment Standards Act, 2000
▪ Labour Relations Act, 1995
▪ Liquor Licence Act
▪ Provincial Offences Act
▪ Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
▪ Trespass to Property Act
4. Provide the following information with respect to the Criminal Code of Canada:
▪ Explain the difference between indictable, summary and criminal offences and a security
guard’s authority to arrest (e.g. citizen’s arrest)
▪ List the most common offences encountered by security guards
▪ Review the sections of the code regarding defense of property and defense of persons
▪ Explain criminal harassment, mischief, assault, theft, causing disturbances, breaking and
entering and possession of stolen property under the code
5. Explain the common elements of tort law in security situations
Note: There are four components in this section: Handling Information and PIPEDA,
Additional Legislation, Criminal Code of Canada and Tort Law.
Security guards are only expected to be aware of this legislation as it pertains to
their roles. The primary focus should be on best practices with respect to
acquiring information to resolve security issues in the context of relevant
legislation.
Handling Information and PIPEDA - Outline
Security guards frequently deal with the collection, storage, dissemination and destruction of
information. The trainer discusses the procedures and regulations with respect to managing
information and explains how to keep information secure while ensuring that it is maintained in a
manner consistent with PIPEDA.
Additional Legislation - Outline
Security guards can encounter situations where they need to be familiar with the following
legislation:
▪ Employment Standards Act, 2000
▪ Labour Relations Act, 1999
▪ Liquor Licence Act
▪ Provincial Offences Act
▪ Residential Tenancies Act, 1996
▪ Trespass to Property Act
The trainer provides a brief introduction to the relevant sections to each act, addresses the risks
and dangers associated with private security and describes how each act can impact the safety
and effectiveness on site. Issues of liability should be discussed to ensure the student
understands how to complete his/her duties within lawful authority. The trainer also addresses
whose authority a security guard is acting on (acting as agent of the property owner) and
differences in private versus public property.
Criminal Code of Canada - Outline
Security guards may encounter situations in which they need to deal with indictable, summary,
or criminal offences. They need to be able to accurately identify and categorize offences when
on duty and understand how to perform a citizen’s arrest according to the Criminal Code of
Canada. The trainer introduces the code within the context of liability, duty of care and lawful
authority. Defense of property and defense of persons should also be discussed.
Tort Law - Outline
Security guards must ensure that they are completing their job within their lawful authority. The
trainer explains the common elements of tort law in security situations.
Section 9: Effective Communications
Section Overview
Security guards encounter a wide range of situations and are required to act professionally
under all circumstances. The trainer reviews the interpersonal and communication skills
necessary to adapt to different environments/scenarios and to diffuse situations when required.
The importance of using communication to one’s advantage should be emphasized.
Suggested Duration: In class: 4 hours
Outside class: 3 hours
Minimum Requirements
Communication Skills
1. Discuss the following oral and written communication skills:
▪ Adjusting a communication style to accommodate an audience or situation
▪ Using verbal and non-verbal feedback
▪ Using effective and appropriate language in oral and written communication
▪ Writing legibly and clearly (e.g. minimal spelling, grammar or typographical errors)
▪ Effectively communicating main ideas orally and in writing
▪ Avoiding personal bias/opinion when communicating
▪ Asking probing questions to obtain information
▪ Conveying oral information accurately
▪ Writing accurate reports
2. Explain tactical communication
▪ Adjusting behaviour/demeanor (e.g. passive vs. aggressive) based on an individual or
situation
Interpersonal Skills
3. Discuss the following interpersonal skills:
▪ Demonstrating sensitivity/empathy to others (e.g. different cultures, persons with
disabilities, human rights issues, mental health issues)
▪ Establishing a rapport with a variety of people for the purpose of building trusting
relationships
▪ Diffusing, avoiding and managing difficult interpersonal relationships and/or potential
conflict
▪ Being assertive yet professional when interacting with the public
Note: There are three components in this section: Communication Skills, Tactical Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
Communication Skills - Outline
Security guards must provide clear and concise information. Their position requires them to
communicate with a wide array of individuals both orally and in writing and to obtain information
from sources that may be unwilling. The trainer addresses active listening, effective writing and
note taking.
Tactical Communication - Outline
Security guards may need to utilize tactical communication during the course of their
assignments. They must maintain their composure and adjust their behaviour to suit the
individual and situation. The trainer explains the principles of tactical communication (both
verbal and non-verbal, including posture, tone, assertiveness, spatial distance, eye contact,
facial expressions) and de-escalation techniques with progressive intervention steps.
Interpersonal Skills - Outline
Security guards often interact with a variety of individuals during the course of their duties. Their
conduct is vital to the professional image of the security industry as a whole. The trainer
describes proper conduct and deportment, how to adapt quickly to different situations and how
to perform duties in a culturally appropriate manner. Security guards should be able to scan for
potential problems and act in a preventative way to avoid any escalation of events.
Section 10: Sensitivity Training
Section Overview
Security guards often interact with the public on a daily basis. It is important they approach
individuals with respect to avoid any biases that may impact how they interrelate with others.
The trainer addresses prejudices against ethnic backgrounds, persons with mental or physical
disabilities and gender and sexual orientation.
Suggested Duration: In class: 3 hours
Outside class: 2 hours
Minimum Requirements
Discuss the following issues:
1. Recognizing one’s own biases and describing how these can influence situations
2. Recognizing the impact of mental, physical, cultural and sexual differences on situational
dynamics
Outline
Security guards may be required to interact with diverse groups of individuals on a regular
basis. The trainer introduces the concept of respect for differences, identifies potential issues
that may arise when dealing with a variety of people (e.g. communication difficulties,
misinterpretation of gestures) and how to approach individuals in a way that minimizes
miscommunication.
Section 11: Use of Force Theory
Section Overview
Security guards may be required to use force during certain situations. The trainer explains use
of force theory, the components of the use of force model and how to maintain composure
during potentially stressful situations. Students need to attend specialized training to learn how
to use defensive equipment and to apply use of force options.
Suggested Duration: In class: 2 hours
Outside class: 2 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. Explain the authority to use force under the Criminal Code of Canada
▪ Discuss the use of force model and its framework components
▪ Explain how to choose an appropriate use of force component and justify an action
2. Discuss how to act under stress and maintain composure
3. Explain positional asphyxia and excited delirium
Outline
The trainer explains use of force theory based on the National Use of Force Model (modified for
security guards) and outlines Section 25 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Security guards can
be put in situations where they need to maintain their professional composure even when under
a high level of stress. The trainer will also address how to control a situation by asking
questions, dealing with difficult customers/clients/suspects, managing stress when isolated or
fatigued and personal health issues such as overall stress levels, stress factors, cleanliness,
nutrition, lifestyle and fitness. Positional asphyxia and excited delirium should also be
discussed.
Section 12: Emergency Level First Aid
Section Overview
First aid training and certification is a requirement of the basic training program for security
guards. An accredited trainer provides instruction that is equivalent to the St. John Ambulance
course Emergency Level First Aid.
Suggested Duration: In class: 6.5 hours
Minimum Requirements
1. The following topics must be covered:
▪ Emergency Scene Management
▪ Shock, Unconsciousness and Fainting
▪ Choking – Adult
▪ Severe Bleeding
▪ One Rescuer CPR – Adult.
2. Training must be delivered by:
▪ A St. John Ambulance certified instructor, or
▪ A Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (Ontario) approved first aid trainerInstructed by:
Samir Seif
Samir is currently Ontario Chief Tactical Instructor for CSSDSC and its Ontario Director. Experienced in former private training to undisclosed operations in the
Specialty training in Close Range Medium Impact Tools (weapons), Baton and Handcuffing available. Security Guards Standards Course prerequisite if not an emergency or Law Enforcement/Correctional personnel.
For more information about Samir and his training please visit his website at http://www.samirscombatreaction.com/
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 February 2012 17:28 )